National Imbizo Focus Week Takes Off- November 2016

Government has called on community members to use the national Imbizo Focus Week to engage with leaders about programmes to resolve the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality.

The fifth national Imbizo Focus Week kicks off from Monday until Sunday under the theme: “Together we move South Africa forward: ‘Our future – make it work’”.

The Imbizo Focus Week is a uniquely South African channel of direct face-to-face communication and interaction between government through its publicly elected representatives and members of the community.

“Government encourages communities to participate in the activities this week and engage with government officials across the country, in addressing service delivery challenges in order to improve and provide a better life for all,” said Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General Donald Liphoko, on Sunday.

This week will focus on the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) vision 2030 with specific focus on some of the key areas of progress and achievement.

The NDP is a long term vision and plan for the country and outlines the work that needs to be done to achieve a prosperous society in 20 years’ time. It is driven by 14 key Outcomes all of which are part of the Medium Term Strategic Framework 2014 – 2019.

Marhulana Primary School

The opening of the Imbizo Focus Week today will see President Jacob Zuma returning to Marhulana Primary School in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, to hand over a donation of computers.

The President first visited to the school in July 2016 as part of Mandela Day commemorations.

During the visit to the school in July this year, where the President handed all the learners with warm blankets and school bags, he also made a commitment to equip the school with computers.

The Chinese Embassy undertook to equip the school with computers, which will be delivered to the school.

“The use of ICTs in education is increasingly becoming an important medium for complementing the delivery of the curriculum in most developing countries, thus the importance that the Department of Basic Education places on e-Education is well reflected through the Action Plan to 2014: towards the realisation of schooling 2025,” the Presidency said.

The President will be accompanied by the Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga. They will interact with the staff; address assembly and hand-over a donation of computers and school uniforms.

Moretele Agri-Hub

The Economic Sectors, Employment and Infrastructure Development Cluster led by the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Gugile Nkwinti will visit an Agri-Park in Moretele Municipality in the North West Province, this morning.

The Moretele Agri-Hub is an example of one of many government programmes that aim to create vibrant, equitable and sustainable rural communities.

Komani Industrial Park

Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies, will be in the Eastern Cape to launch the first phase of the Komani Industrial Park revitalisation in Queenstown.

The revitalisation of industrial parks stimulates the local economy and creates decent employment for communities.

Swarkopfontein Bridge

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Dipuo Peters, supported by her counterpart in Botswana, will officially open the Swarkopfontein Bridge in the Swartkopfontein Border Post, North West Province.

The bridge which has been constructed over the Notwane River which separates South Africa and Botswana now links the two countries.

The two governments believe that the shorter distances will stimulate the local economy as it enables local businesses and commuters to travel between the two countries.

Automative Supplier Park

The Governance and Administration Cluster, led by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, David van Rooyen, will visit an Automative Supplier Park and Garankuwa Eco-Furniture Factory on Monday, and on Tuesday visit the Kgora Bakery and Winterveldt Auto Hub, in the City of Tshwane, Gauteng.

These Local Economic Development Projects stimulate local enterprise development, create jobs and promote a more inclusive economy.

Plattekloof Forensic Laboratory

On Wednesday, the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster will host a media tour to the Plattekloof Forensic Laboratory in the Western Cape.

The tour will be followed by community engagements to report back to the Philippi and Langa communities.

This activity makes visible the work of the security cluster in partnership with all sectors of society to ensure that all people in South Africa are and feel safe.